Taurus - the car that saved Ford in the mid 1980s.

The fourth generation Taurus (2000-2007) is a very good choice in the larger range of the midsize sedan class.  It is essentially the same car as the third generation Taurus (1996-1999) minus the overly oval styling.  The powertrain was upgraded for 2000, and again for 2004.

The base engine is one of Ford's most reliable designs, albeit an old one.  The 3.0 liter overhead-valve V6 is named Vulcan after the Roman god of fire and ironworking, Vulcan, because of it's completely cast iron construction.  It puts out 155hp and 185 lb/ft. of torque.  Flex-fuel versions, able to run on methanol or ethanol in addition to gasoline, were available from 1993 on.

Optional was a 3.0L Duratec V6.  It is a more modern dual overhead cam design, pushing 201hp and 207 ft/lbs. torque.  It has also proved to be very reliable since its introduction in 1996.

PERFORMANCE:
Acceleration wiith the Vulcan engine is average.  It certainly won't set the world on fire, but it will get you to 60mph in about 10 seconds.  The Duratec will get you there in eight, but it has much more higher-RPM kick than the Vulcan.

Handling is pretty good for a relatively big, soft family sedan.  The original equipment Continental tires absolutely ruin the car.  The chassis is very stiff thanks to several key design elements of the unibody structure: one-piece side stampings running the full length of the car; front strut towers integral with the firewall; and rear strut mounting points tied directly to the side panels and to each other (the rear parcel shelf is a structural piece).  The car gives more driver feedback than, say, a Toyota Camry.  In stock form at the limit, there is safe, predictable understeer.  Grip is good without the atrocious Continentals.

Braking is average.  The lack of rear discs on the sedan is disappointing.  Pedal feel is better without the optional adjustable pedals, but mine has better feel than most adjustable pedal cars I've driven.  Swapping to rear discs is relatively straightforward.

Performance category recieves three stars with the VUlcan engine - four with the Duratec.

BUILD QUALITY:
After seven years and nearly 90,000 miles on the road, the only thing that really rattles on my '01 is the power mirror switch.  Occasionally the moonroof shade will rattle if it's left in the wrong place.

Springs are a problem area.  Watch for sagging or broken springs.  This is a design flaw that may or may not show itself, but is more common in places that use road salt.

Other than that, the interior is a nice place to be, and the car is well put together.  300,000 mile examples are more common than you might expect.

Build gets four stars because of the spring issues and it's not a Rolls Royce.

APPEARANCE:
It's much less controversial than the third generation "jellybean"/"catfish" Taurus  It still looks modern, sleek, and classy.  There are a few key lines that absolutely make the car's looks that the designers nailed, all while working in the constraints of the old car's platform (and doors!).  ANd this one's Spruce Green.  Five stars.

OVERALL:
Excellent value, very reliable, roomy, comfortable, good looks.  I spend lots of time on the road, and it's a nice place to be.  Find yourself one that wasn't a rental and has been well  maintained.  Five stars.